How to Say “Yes and No” in Vietnamese

By Ryan Richard • Updated October 2, 2026

có và không

[kɔ˧˦ vaː˨˩ xəwŋ͡m˧˧]word by word

The phrase "yes and no" in Vietnamese is translated as có và không.

The phrase có và không is used to indicate that a situation is complex and cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no".

Meaning: indicating there is no simple "yes" or "no" answer (phrase)

What does it mean word for word?

This phrase is a literal combination of có (to have/yes) and không (no/not) connected by và (and).

Did you know?

The term không is used for both the concept of 'no' and the numeral 'zero'.

Example conversation

Nam and Hương are discussing if a new job is a good idea.

Nam

Công việc mới này tốt không, Hương?
Is this new job good, Hương?
Hương

Có và không, tùy vào góc nhìn.
Yes and no, depending on the perspective.
Nam

Sao lại như vậy?
Why is that?
Hương

Lương cao nhưng áp lực lắm.
The salary is high but it's very stressful.

Sources

IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (có, và, không) and can differ in connected speech.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries có, không, và, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Ryan Richard

Xin chào! I'm Ryan, a language enthusiast with a penchant for Vietnamese. I enjoy distilling complex linguistic concepts into simple, practical guides that make learning Vietnamese a breeze—whether you're trying to say "Babe" or "Colonoscopy". Beyond language, I have a deep respect for Vietnamese culture, food, and traditions. Hey, I even learned how to say "Chicken Pho." There's an inexplicable joy in sharing language skills—I hope my posts help you feel it too! When not writing, you'll find me exploring street markets or sipping hot chocolate, cherishing the rhythm of life.

Ryan RichardHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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